The influence of plant regulators on callus and embryo induction in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) anther culture

In order to investigate effects of plant regulators on callus and embryo induction in cucumber anther culture, 25 media for callus induction and 4 methods for embryo induction were tested. The experimental layout was conducted in factorial arrangement in randomized completely design with four and three replications for callus and embryo induction, respectively. Factors for callus induction were two cucumber genotypes (Esfahani and Beta Alfa) and different concentrations of BAP (0, 0.225, 0.45, 0.68 and 0.91 mg/l) and 2, 4-D (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 mg/l). Also factors for embryo induction were different concentration of BAP (2, 3 and 4 mg/l) and NAA (0.05 and 0.1 mg/l) and different solid and liquid media. Results indicated that there are statistical significant effect at 1% among PGR concentrations and 5% among interaction between genotype and PGR concentrations. The anthers, which were cultured on basal MS medium and media supplemented with individual concentration of plant regulators did not show any response and they became necrotic after 4 weeks of culture, but combination of plant regulators had different effect on callus induction. According to results of means comparison M24, M22 and M15 media with average of 98, 97.75 and 96.75 percent and M10 medium with average of 77.5 percent had highest and lowest callus induction for Esfahani genotype, respectively. The highest and lowest callus induction for Beta Alfa cultivar obtained in M13 (98.45%) and M1 (59.7%) media, respectively. There was no response for embryo induction in Solid-Solid, Solid-Liquid and Liquid-Liquid methods, but high rate of embryo induction obtained in Liquid-Solid method. Results indicated that there was statistical significant effect at 5% among media. Means comparison for tested media showed that M6 (60.58%) and M4 (20%) medium had highest and lowest embryo induction, respectively.